Horned Grebe: Bird Finder for February 27

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus

What it looks like: Horned Grebes are small, diving waterbirds that are currently presenting their black and white plumage in the cold, winter waters along Long Island Sound.

Horned grebes are very similar in appearance to Eared Grebes but have a whiter patch on their cheeks and are slightly larger with a thicker neck. Also, the peak of the crown is further back on the head, behind the eyes, than Eared Grebes. Horned Grebes are also similar in body size to Pied-Billed Grebes but with a darker and more narrow bill. These are important characteristics to keep in mind, especially when the birds are back-lit and silhouettes are the best view you can get. Eared Grebe is rare in Connecticut but comparing Horned and Eared is a common ID workshop exercise for east coast birders; Eared Grebe should always be kept in mind when viewing Horned Grebe. 

Eared Grebe

As with all grebes, Horned Grebes are fish- and insect-eating diving birds. You will see them one moment and then they are below the surface and likely to pop up a few feet away.  

Where to find it: Horned Grebes have been sighted in many areas along the Sound in Fairfield County. A few have been seen alongside the Tufted Duck that has been found at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport. Other locations include along Ash Creek in Fairfield and the Birdseye Street boat launch in Stratford.

Horned Grebe in breeding plumage.

Horned Grebes nest from the prairies of north-central United States through Canada and into Alaska. Although you probably won’t see it around here, the bird’s breeding plumage is spectacular.

How to find it: Once you arrive at one of these locations, you can simply scan the water with your eyes for a small black and white waterbird. They are fairly solitary, though it will likely spend time among the various ducks. But patience is required; they are voracious little eaters, will dive frequently and can spend several seconds under water.

What if it isn’t there: There have been some gorgeous and interesting ducks and other waterfowl around recently, so your chances are good for seeing species such as Greater and Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Ducks, Canvasbacks, Redheads, various mergansers, and maybe even the Tufted Duck at Captain’s Cove.

Conservation status: According to IUCN, they are a species of least concern, as their populations appear to be stable. However, Horned Grebes and all waterbirds are susceptible to hazards such as oil spills and other water quality issues.

This week’s Connecticut Audubon Society Bird Finder was written by Michelle Eckman, director of education, and edited by Tom Andersen

Top photo by Dick Daniels; center by Phillip Cowan; lower by Len Blumin. Courtesy of Carolinabirds.org. 

Pied-billed & Red-necked

You might occasionally see two other Grebes in Connecticut at this time of year.

Pied-billed Grebe, by Dick Daniels.

Red-necked Grebe, by Hilary Chambers

Pied-billed Grebe is more of an estuarine visitor and usually isn’t found in the open waters of Long Island Sound.

Red-necked Grebe is a Sound bird but is rarer that Pied-billed or Horned.